COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Flovent

USES: Inhaled corticosteroids work directly in the lungs to open airways and make breathing easier by relieving inflammation. This medication must be used regularly to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath caused by asthma, bronchitis or emphysema.

This medication does not work immediately-therefore it does not relieve acute attacks.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Make sure you understand how to use the inhaler properly. Shake the canister well before using.

When using the inhaler for the first time, test the unit by spraying at least once into the air. A fine mist indicates that the inhaler is properly working. If the canister has a strap attached to the cap, leave this in place. It is recommended you use a spacer/holding chamber. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.

If using without a spacing device, place the canister near you mouth and exhale. Depress the canister as you inhale deeply. Hold your breath for a few seconds to allow the drug to be absorbed. Shake the inhaler again before using.

If two inhalations are prescribed, wait at least one minute between inhalations.

If using other inhalers, wait several minutes between the use of the inhalers and use this one (the corticosteroid) last.

Gargle and rinse your mouth after using to help prevent dryness, relieve throat irritation and to prevent oral yeast infections. Do not swallow the rinse solution.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not use it more frequently without your doctor's approval.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause a cough, nasal congestion/pain, headache, unpleasant taste or hoarseness. If these continue or are bothersome, notify your doctor.

Notify your doctor if you experience a white-colored tongue or mouth or prolonged throat irritation while using this medication. Very unlikely but report breathing trouble, fever, rash, or swelling of the hands or feet.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your entire medical history, any allergies, illnesses/infections, recent exposure to contagious diseases (e.g. chickenpox) , glaucoma or cataracts.

If you are switching (or have switched within the past 9 months) from an oral corticosteroid (e.g. prednisone) to an inhaled product and experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, headache, fever, joint and muscle pain, dizziness or weight loss, contact your doctor. You may need to increase your dose of the oral corticosteroid temporarily or start taking it again. This reaction is more likely to occur with unusual stress such as surgery, major injury or serious infection.

If you cough up mucus that has thickened or changed color from clear white to yellow, green or gray, contact your doctor. These changes may be signs of infection.

If you use a medicine to open your airways as directed during an asthma attack and your breathing does not improve, contact your doctor.

Tell every doctor, dentist, and surgeon who treats you that you use this medication and when your last oral corticosteroid dose occurred.

Higher than recommended dosages for long periods can result in side effects as with oral corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)

Keep regular eye appointments to check for eye problems (rare) that may occur.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether fluticasone is excreted into human milk. Because other corticosteroids are excreted, discuss the risks of breast feeding with your doctor.

Children and teenagers should be monitored for proper growth patterns while using any corticosteroid medicine.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may take, especially oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone) and of all other medications used for asthma.

NOTES: Carry an identification card that indicates you may need to take supplementary doses of the oral corticosteroid during periods of unusual stress (surgery, injuries, serious infections, severe asthma attacks) . Ask your pharmacist or doctor how to obtain this medical history/medication card.

MISSED DOSE: Use the missed dose as soon as remembered. Use the remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 36 and 86 degrees F (2-30 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture. Keep from getting too cold or freezing.